Lewisham (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Lewisham’s Cllr Chris Best has been shortlisted for the Lifetime Legend Award at the 2025 LGIU and CCLA Cllr Awards, recognising decades of public service.
These Awards, which are currently in their 16th year in England and 8th year in Scotland, honor the crucial role that council members often the unsung heroes of local democracy play. In addition to giving up their time and energy for what is frequently an unpaid, voluntary duty, council members play a critical role in changing communities and improving lives by advocating for citizens’ interests and spearheading innovation in public services.
With over 400 nominations in five categories honoring the diverse contributions of council members, Community Champion, Leader of the Year, and Lifetime Legend this year’s competition was incredibly competitive.
The Lifetime Legend award honors council members who have significantly improved their communities over the course of many years of public service.
Scotland winners can be seen here, while the complete England & Wales shortlist is available here.
Scotland’s winners were announced on Wednesday, November 5, at Glasgow City Chambers, while England and Wales’ winners will be unveiled on Tuesday, November 18, at Lewisham‘s Guildhall.
Senior council members and prominent industry stakeholders make up the judging panels for the Cllr Awards. These are the only national honors that honor and highlight the contributions of individual council members. The founding partner CCLA’s generous assistance has made this year’s awards possible.
Jonathan Carr-West, Chief Executive, Local Government Information Unit (LGIU) said:
“Our annual Cllr awards demonstrate the best of local government. With more than 400 nominations, competition was extremely tight, with inspiring stories of councillors up and down the country going the extra mile to improve their local area.
Councillors are at the heart of local democracy, working tirelessly to support their communities and drive change. These awards are about celebrating the often unseen but hugely important contribution councillors make every day. This year’s shortlist is a testament to the dedication, creativity and leadership shown by councillors across the country.
Congratulations to all the councillors nominated and shortlisted and I look forward to announcing the winners in November.”
Lee Jagger, Local Government, Relationship Manager, CCLA said: “Every one of the councillors on the Cllr Awards shortlist this year has had a significant and positive impact on their communities and on the lives of their individual residents. That’s what the councillor role is all about – ordinary people trying to make the places that we live and work better. CCLA is very proud to have supported these Awards from the very beginning and to be part of this important celebration of the best of local government.”
What achievements led to Chris Best’s Lifetime Legend nomination?
Cllr Chris Best’s Continuance Legend Award nomination recognises his expansive career, leadership benefactions, and longstanding fidelity to perfecting Lewisham’s communities.
Chairing critical council panels concentrated on health, community safety, and original profitable growth. Driving major enterprise that enhanced social care, health services, and community engagement in the city. backing support for original businesses and fostering inclusive community development.
These substantial benefactions reflect his enduring fidelity to public service and poignant leadership within Lewisham. His work has helped ameliorate quality of life and make stronger original communities, justifying his shortlisting for the Lifetime Legend Award. Chris Best’s Continuance Legend nomination recognizes his decades of leadership, commission chairmanships, policy advancements, and deep- confirmed community service.
